1879.] PREPARING FOR THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 65 



large enough, they can be pricked out at suitable distances, and finally- 

 put into permanent quarters in August or September, or during March 

 the following spring. If well grown, they will bloom well the first 

 season, but much better the second, when they yield an enormous 

 amount of bloom for cutting. The mixed herbaceous border is a good 

 place for them ; and they will increase in size for some years if the soil 

 be suitable. A. H. 



PREPARING FOR. THE FLOWER- GARDEN. 



No time should now be lost in making final arrangements as to 

 the mode of planting the beds for the ensuing season. There 

 is much forethought called for, even in the smallest system of 

 flower-beds — probably more proportionately than in those of 

 large extent. Of course, a " hit " in the method of planting may 

 occasionally be made where no forethought is exercised ; but at the 

 same time, it may be safely affirmed, that it requires much thought 

 and mental digesting of the matter to be successful year after year in 

 the planting of a series of beds and borders which shall at the same 

 time present novelty over the arrangements of previous years, com- 

 bined with an average degree of excellence in the arrangements. 

 Having got the mode of planting arranged, the stock of bedding- 

 plants should also be made note of just now, and in the case of any 

 kinds likely to be short in numbers, immediate steps taken to work 

 up a sufficient supply for the inevitable bedding-out season. I find 

 an abundant stock of the various plants required at that particular 

 season a most important factor in getting along with the work sweetly 

 and expeditiously. A surplus margin of five to ten per cent of plants 

 allows a sufficient number to come and go with in planting ; and 

 with such an excess over the number required, it will be patent to 

 any one that, with a previously-arranged plan, the entire system of 

 beds can be filled in detail without a hitch occurring. Where there is, 

 therefore, any likelihood of the stock of Lobelias, Iresines, Verbenas, 

 and even Pelargoniums, or of other plants which can be propagated now, 

 being deficient in number at the bedding-out season, a batch of cut- 

 tings ought to be struck without any delay. This is an easy enough 

 matter where proper means can be had for the purpose ; but it too 

 often occurs that the very slight accommodation required is as diffi- 

 cult to come at as if it were something calling for an extraordinary 

 expenditure. At this season we find a bed of dung and leaves of very 

 great value for various purposes ; but the bed is thoroughly pro- 

 tected from all influences which can abstract its heat or render its 

 heating power nugatory. An exposed hotbed with frame for the 



